School’s Out, but Healthy Routines and Medi-Cal Dental Visits Are Still In
Summer brings sunshine, fun, and a break from school, but not from healthy habits. It is the perfect time for families to use their Medi-Cal dental benefits and schedule a check-up. Children with Medi-Cal can get dental check-ups twice a year, and maybe more, and adults can get a check-up once a year, all for free. With regular dental visits and healthy habits, kids enjoy the season with strong, healthy smiles.
To help families make the most out of their dental visit this summer, here are a few tips to prepare for a smooth and successful check-up:
- Find a Dentist – Families can visit SmileCalifornia.org or call the Medi‑Cal Dental Telephone Service Center at 1‑800‑322‑6384 for help finding a dentist. For personalized support, encourage members to fill out the
Care Coordination Referral Form. - Confirm the Appointment – Remind families to call ahead and confirm. Giving 24 hours’ notice is always appreciated.
- Bring a Medi-Cal Card – Families should take their Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) to the appointment. Dental offices need it to complete patient information, though care may still be provided in some situations without it.
- Ask Questions – Encourage families to bring a list of questions or concerns for the dentist. They can also check out our Common Questions page to feel more prepared.
Sealant Summer: A Cavity-Fighting Superpower
This summer, we are spotlighting dental sealants – an easy, preventive treatment covered by Medi-Cal that helps protect children’s teeth from cavities. Sealants are quick, painless, and strong, like a superhero shield for back teeth. In fact, sealants can lower the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%.
Our sealant-focused resources make it easy to share this message with families in a fun and engaging way. Watch our sealant superhero-themed video, download social media graphics, and explore educational materials on our sealants landing pages in English and Spanish below:
- Fact Sheet: English | Spanish
- Infographic: English | Spanish
- Coloring Sheet: English | Spanish
- Seal Today to Prevent Decay Fotonovela: English | Spanish
- Video:
- PowerPoint Presentation: English | Spanish
Social Media Images and Captions:
- Image 1: English | Spanish | Suggested Caption
- Image 2: English | Spanish | Suggested Caption
- Image 3: English | Spanish | Suggested Caption
- Image 4: English | Spanish | Suggested Caption
- Image 5: English | Spanish | Suggested Caption
- Carousel Post:
Kid-Approved Resources for Healthy Summer Smiles
Looking for fun, educational tools to share with families this summer? We have got you covered with engaging, kid-friendly materials that help little ones stay busy and build healthy habits. From brushing calendars and coloring pages to fotonovelas and dental health activity packets, these resources are great for parents, caregivers, and educators.
Download Brushing Calendars and Coloring Activities
📘 Access Dental Health Education Packets for Kids
📚 Share Fotonovelas with Families
These materials are great for summer programs, community events, waiting rooms, or any place kids need a creative and educational outlet.
Connect & Share: Join Us on Social Media!
Our social media galleries are packed with valuable content in English and Spanish that you can easily share with your community. You will find posts featuring dental health tips for all age groups, essential Medi-Cal dental benefit information, friendly oral health reminders, and more. These ready-to-use resources are designed to help you engage with your audience and spread important messages about maintaining healthy smiles. Click on the buttons below to download free images, videos, captions, and hashtags, including our new post about molar sealants!
- Molar Sealants Post: English | Spanish | Suggested Caption
Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQs
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has issued a statement about its commitment to protecting the privacy and well-being of all Medi-Cal members.
DHCS also has updated the Frequently Asked Questions on Medi-Cal eligibility. If you do not find an answer to your question, you may contact your local county office (by phone or in person). You also may email Medi-Cal member support at [email protected] for help in your preferred language.
Stay Connected with Smile, California
We would love to see how you’re using Smile, California resources. Share photos or posts on Facebook or Instagram and tag us with #SmileCalifornia for a chance to be featured on our accounts!
Need ready-to-use content for your channels? Our Social Media Gallery offers English and Spanish posts featuring dental tips, Medi-Cal Dental benefits, and oral health reminders—download and share them with your community!
Also, remind your community about the Medi-Cal Dental Member Handbook, available in 19 languages. This comprehensive guide explains dental benefits, how to access care, and the resources available to members.
Access the Member Handbook here.
If you have questions about the resources mentioned or the Smile, California campaign, simply respond to this email or contact us at [email protected]. We are here to help our valued partners and always welcome your suggestions and feedback!
To get in touch with a Member or Provider Outreach Representative, you can also email [email protected].
Smile On!
The Smile, California Team
Let Medi-Cal members know that they can get the latest program updates in English and Spanish through Member Bulletins! Members can access the bulletins under the Latest News section on SmileCalifornia.org and Últimas noticias section on SonrieCalifornia.org
Help Medi-Cal members find a dentist by directing them to the Find A Dentist page or the Telephone Service Center at 1-800-322-6384.